The story picks up after the events of the first film with Arthur Fleck AKA Joker tucked away in Arkham Asylum (which is now styled to look like Alcatraz Island). The system is trying to prove his competency to stand trial. He is treated quite questionably there, especially by a guard named Jackie Sullivan played by the always excellent Brendan Gleeson. While there he comes in contact with Lee Quinzel (Lady Gaga).

Their relationship provides the main thrust of the tale but it is a one-sided affair as very little backstory is offered about Quinzel other than her sycophantic attraction to Fleck’s darker side. Most of the exposition is told via dream sequences so it is not easy to decipher what is real and what is not. The dark and gritty reality of living in Gotham City plays an important role as well.

Todd Phillips should be applauded for trying something different as he returns to the world of Arthur Fleck with a new concept. Draping things in a musical format is an odd choice but is does have a number of engaging and surreal moments. He can always count on Joaquin Phoenix’s force of-nature approach to acting to give validity to almost any approach desired. Underutilising Lady Gaga’s role does however feel like a missed opportunity.
Rob Hudson
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While struggling with his dual identity, Arthur not only stumbles upon true love, but also finds the music that’s always been inside him.

Starring Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Brendan Gleeson, Catherine Keener, Zazie Beetz, Steve Coogan, Harry Lawtey, Leigh Gill, Ken Leung, Jacob Lofland, Bill Smitrovich, Sharon Washington, Joker: Folie À Deux is coming to cinemas October 3!
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Joker: Folie à Deux – only in cinemas October 3!
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Having caught a documentary before seeing the film on the real-life story that underlines this tale, it only hints at the depravity and manipulation that took place. Everyone has an agenda and they are all completely self-serving. The acting is also gloriously overstated and perfectly suits this fable of overindulgence. Lady Gaga is particularly adaptable at this excess.

There is entertainment to be had in several ways. It’s a lot of fun to catch the scenes that mirror some of the actor’s major meme moments, like Al Pacino’s famous Fredo declaration. Keeping the score of the actors dropping the faux accents is also very amusing. I’m looking at you AP. The ridiculousness of this level of entitlement pales in comparison to the actual reality of the super-rich.

Great art House Of Gucci is not but very entertaining it is and who doesn’t need an indulgent guilty pleasure right about now. On and by the way, those lost decades are calling and they want their fashion and hairstyles back.

Rob Hudson
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Spanning three decades of love, betrayal, decadence, revenge, and ultimately murder, we see what a name means, what it’s worth, and how far a family will go for control.

House of Gucci stars Lady Gaga, Adam Driver, Jared Leto, Jeremy Irons, Jack Huston, with Salma Hayek and Al Pacino, and will be released in Australian cinemas New Year’s Day!

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Spanning three decades of love, betrayal, decadence, revenge, and ultimately murder, we see what a name means, what it’s worth, and how far a family will go for control.

House of Gucci stars Lady Gaga, Adam Driver, Jared Leto, Jeremy Irons, Jack Huston, with Salma Hayek and Al Pacino, and will be released in Aussie cinemas November 25!
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The tragedy that underlines the film is not just one of substance abuse but the sadness of loosing the connection to ones art through the effects of tinnitus. The film drives this point home with audio effects of both extreme on-stage volume and that soul destroying constant tone that sufferers become afflicted with. It leads many to do horrible things to stop the suffering.

The charm of watching Jack (Cooper) and Ally (Gaga) create music together at the film’s beginning is given a sad undertone by how lost he becomes both on and off stage and how disposable her music becomes when her pop career takes off. The sparks that fly off their earlier work together are quickly extinguished.

It seems that every generation’s version of A Star Is Born features music popular for its time. The thirties, the fifties, the seventies and now current music trends are highlighted and the music in this version is a delight, but one tinged with a feeling of melancholy via both content and the disposable nature of current pop trends. Music films are a difficult beast to tame and this 2018 version is successful at that endeavour.

Rob Hudson
www.astarisbornmovie.net

Theirs is a complex journey through the beauty and the heartbreak of a relationship struggling to survive.

A STAR IS BORN is directed by and starring Bradley Cooper and stars Lady Gaga, Andrew Dice Clay, Dave Chappelle and Sam Elliott.

Full soundtrack will be available October 5 and the movie A STAR IS BORN releases in Australian cinemas on October 18, 2018.
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In this new take on the tragic love story, he plays seasoned musician Jackson Maine, who discovers—and falls in love with—struggling artist Ally. She has just about given up on her dream to make it big as a singer… until Jack coaxes her into the spotlight. But even as Ally’s career takes off, the personal side of their relationship is breaking down, as Jack fights an ongoing battle with his own internal demons.

A STAR IS BORN is directed by and starring Bradley Cooper, and stars Lady Gaga, Andrew Dice Clay, Dave Chappelle and Sam Elliot.

A STAR IS BORN releases in Australian cinemas on October 4, 2018.
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